On course for semi clash with Nadal

ROGER Federer noted that he needed a few matches to get his engine going at the U.S. Open. He is now revving it up with back-toback victories in straight sets.

Federer, the No. 3 seed, only slowed for a medical timeout in between the second and third sets. By night’s end, he had strung together a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber Monday at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the quarterfinals.

“I think today more than before, I’m able to rush opponents and make them feel maybe more uncomfortable than maybe in the past,” Federer said.

Asked about his brief departure from the court afterward, Federer maintained that he needed “a rub on my back, my bottom.” He showed no signs of discomfort after returning, moving nimbly. His serve was never broken, and he will square against Juan Martin del Potro, who survived a five-set match against Dominic Thiem in the fourth round, 1-6, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4.

“It’s a good match to look forward to,” Federer said. “Reminds me clearly of the 2009 finals that we had, which was an epic, too. I hope we can produce another good one.”

In 2009, del Potro, then all of 20, defeated Federer in the Open final. Federer had won five straight Open championships from 2004-08. He has not won one since.

“I feel like I left that match with a lot of regrets,” Federer said. “Probably feels like one of those matches I would like to play over again. Feel like I would probably win it somehow.”

There was little ailing Federer on court Monday night. He whipped his forehand winners cross-court to limit Kohlschreiber’s hope, and landed a backhand winner in the third set. It was a complete game after he had teetered earlier in the tournament, needing five sets to stave off Frances Tiafoe and Mikhail Youzhny. He steadied on Saturday, downing Feliciano Lopez in straights. Momentum carried over on Labor Day.

Fresh off Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this year, Federer is taking aim at Grand Slam title No. 20. He is also seeking a first in his celebrated career. Long-time rivals, Federer, the greatest of all time, and Rafael Nadal, the No. 1 player in the world, have never faced each other at the U.S. Open. If both claim their quarterfinal matches, they would play in the semifinals Friday.